U.S. warship sets sail for Black Sea in advance of Sochi Olympics

WASHINGTON - U.S.
officials say the first of two American warships heading into the Black Sea in
advance of the Olympic Games has set sail from Italy.

The USS Mount Whitney got underway Friday from Gaeta, Italy,
and the Navy frigate USS Taylor is expected to leave from Naples, Italy, on
Saturday.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they
were not authorized to publicly disclose ship movements.

Russian and U.S. defense officials, including Pentagon chief
Chuck Hagel, have discussed the Olympic security threat, and the U.S. has
offered to help in any way needed. No specific assistance has been requested.

The Pentagon has said the ships are deploying to the Black
Sea as part of normal military planning and could perform any required
missions, including communications or evacuations.